Following their exciting, penultimate ball victory last weekend, Sunderland are confident they are still in with a shout of carrying off the championship. But skipper Simon Old accepts that his side will need a good result against table-topping Blaydon today.

"I thought we played really well to defeat Chester-le-Street and keep our hopes alive. It is not exactly last chance saloon but we have got to get something out of today's game and if we do we will set up an intriguing finale to the season since other sides, too, will be in contention" claimed Old.

A blow to the chance of Sunderland is the absence of the former Durham County and Middlesex opener Michael Roseberry who made his only appearance of the season against Chetser-le-Street last Saturday.

Old is still hopeful that Roseberry will be able to play in the remaining matches but will have to get along without him this morning.

Blaydon are 34 points in front of the Ashbrooke side and 29 better off than second-placed South Northumberland.

"Every game is like a cup final now and today's match is no different. We are at the top on merit and confident we can give Sunderland a good game and stay out in front," exclaimed Blaydon chairman Ken Forster who reports that wicket keeper Toby Whitmarsh is expected to play despite dislocating a finger against Durham Academy last Sunday.

Chester-le-Street are third, 30 points behind Blaydon, but have not given up hope of regaining the championship.

"It was disappointing to lose in the last over last week but it only cost us three points. If we manage to win four of our last six games we will be within striking distance and we need to make today's home match with mid-table Benwell Hill count," said captain Allan Worthy.

The disappointing news for the Ropery Lane camp is that Ian Hunter is still ruled out with a back injury.

"Obviously, had Ian been available I would have fancied our chances even more but it is one of those things and we will just have to get along as best we can," added Worthy.

Wicket keeper batsman David Wilson is also struggling with an injury but he is given a fair chance of playing.

Benwell Hill show just one alteration to their line up with the unavailable James Welch replaced by second teamer David Haxon.

The two sides at the bottom line up at Gateshead Fell who will parade their new overseas player, New Zealander Wade Cornelius. He is the fourth they have had so far after Marcus North was seconded to Durham County and both Trent Kelly and Chris Martin had to return to their home country early.

Philadelphia, only eight points better off than the Fell, anticipate fielding their strongest line up, including Durham County's James Lowe who has been in oustanding form in recent games.

Norton host Newcastle with a full strength side on duty, while the visitors are hoping that Gordon Muchall will be able to play.

Second top South Northumberland have an attractive game with Durham Academy at Gosforth and include second team captain Tom Seymour for David Harbottle.

Stockton go to Tynemouth, who have managed just one win in 16 attempts. The Seasiders line up Ben Debnam for the experienced Russell Perry.